Roswell’s reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in all of Georgia is burnished every year when the Annual Roswell Mayor’s Ride and the Historic Roswell Criterium make for a doubly exciting day for bike enthusiasts.

This year, the day is April 28. First up that Sunday morning is the ninth annual Mayor’s Ride, a recreational ride that showcases the city of Roswell.

It offers chances for families, friends and individuals to ride as far as they can handle. The ride, sponsored by BikeRoswell!, begins at 8 a.m. from Roswell Area Park.

“The 62-mile riders take off fast, so we let them go first,” said Craig Voth, ride director. “Kids and families take off last.”

Bikers have four different route options that travel both rolling hills and flat sections along the Chattahoochee River.

The shortest is six miles escorted by Roswell police. This is a free family ride.

There is a $35 entry fee for the 20-mile, 40-mile and 62-mile metric century rides, which include a VIP post-ride lunch at Woodstock and Canton streets, theTurn 5 corner of the Criterium.

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, an avid biker, will be on the courses with the riders. Rest stops will be stocked with drinks and snacks and pre-ride mechanical support will be provided.

“Last year we had more than 400 entrants on race day,” Voth said. “We’re anticipating about 500 this year.”

At 10 a.m. hard-core speed cyclists begin the first of the 11 races in the Historic Roswell Criterium, a closed course in the heart of the city’s downtown. Some of the best athletes in North America will compete in categories ranging from juniors and masters at the amateur level to men’s and women’s professionals.

Now the largest pro/am criterium in the Southeast, the Roswell Crit is the second largest single-day race in the U.S.

For the first time in 12 years, the Crit will feature a new race course. Instead of Norcross and Canton streets, the Heart of Roswell Park will now be the southernmost turn of the race route, extending the course loop to 1.2 miles.

The start/finish line will remain on Canton Street in front of the Fickle Pickle Restaurant.

The day’s schedule of events for spectators and athletes will include a vendor village and expo, the Moncrief Heating & Air Kids’ Zone and two New Belgium Beer Gardens, one on the south end of Canton at Elizabeth Way and the second to the north at Woodstock Street.

The Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell Safety Rodeo begins at 3 p.m. next to the Roswell United Methodist Church, with registration at 2 p.m.

Free with a signed waiver for children ages six to 12 years on bicycles and tricycles, Rodeo graduation makes kids eligible to participate in Kids Races at 5 p.m.

For details on races, kids’ rodeo and all event information, go to www.historicroswellcriterium.com.

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